Malodor counteracting compositions and method for their use to counteract sweat malodor

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a malodor counteractancy or counteracting (MOC) method that resorts to the use of specific malodor counteracting (MOC) mixtures of MOC ingredients. More particularly, the invention relates to new MOC compositions capable of neutralizing or masking in an efficient manner sweat malodor and which can be used in perfumes, deodorants, antiperspirants and other body care products.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/319,411 filed Nov. 8, 2011, which is a 371 filing of Internationalapplication no. PCT/IB2010/052736 filed Jun. 17, 2010, the entirecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a malodor counteracting (MOC) methodthat resorts to the use of specific malodor counteracting (MOC) mixturesof MOC ingredients, which act as deodorant or deodorizing compositions.More particularly, the invention relates to new deodorant or MOCcompositions and consumer products containing them, namely perfumes,colognes, body sprays, deodorants and antiperspirants, capable ofefficiently neutralizing or masking sweat malodor. The novel MOCcompositions of the invention contain at least one effective MOCingredient and are characterized by a malodor inhibition coefficient ofat least 50%, at a defined composition concentration in an appropriatemedium, against malodor generated by Staphylococcus haemolyticusenzymatic activity in said medium, together with a malodor reductionvalue of at least 2, relative to a maximum malodor score value of 5,measured under the same conditions but in the absence of the MOCcomposition.

The invention also relates to methods of use of the MOC compositions andof any finished consumer products containing them.

PRIOR ART

The prior art's richness in reports of methods to counteract and/or maskmalodors, and more particularly sweat malodor, is such that a completereview of all the methods and compositions prior reported in thiscontext is impossible here. It is clear however that there still existsa need to continue searching alternative ways of solving the sweatmalodor problem, as evidenced by the constant publication of new methodsof solving malodor occurrence.

In the field of sweat malodor counteraction, methods which resort to theuse of compositions or products free from, or having a reduced contentin, classical deodorant or antiperspirant ingredients, in particularaluminum or zirconium salts, well-known for their deodorant activity,are especially appreciated. The present invention aims at bringing anovel contribution in this context, by providing novel deodorant andantiperspirant compositions capable of counteracting, and morepreferably suppressing, sweat malodor, whilst reducing or eliminatingcontent in any such classical ingredients, and whilst also providing anefficient sensorial coverage of the malodor perceived by the user ofsuch deodorant or antiperspirant products and/or of any otherindividuals present in the proximity of that user.

Although the prior art has previously reported a large variety ofmethods to identify ingredients and consumer products able to inhibit orreduce the occurrence of sweat malodor by interfering with the activityof axillary microorganisms responsible for generating such malodor, wehave now surprisingly established that many such methods do not providea full solution to the problem of inhibiting or suppressing sweatmalodor.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,791 discloses deodorant consumerproducts containing effective amounts of inhibitors of an amino acidβ-lyase enzyme which contains the co-factor pyridoxal phosphate andcatalyzes human body malodor, wherein the inhibitor is hydroxylamine oran aminoacid of formula H₂N—O—CH(R)COOH, R being hydrogen or a definedradical. Amongst the aminoacids of the latter formula, aminooxyaceticacid is preferred. Other documents in the same family, i.e. U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,595,728 and 5,487,886, further disclose inhibitors of specificformulae, as defined in the above documents. These prior art documentsassume that sweat malodor is essentially generated by aminoacid β-lyaseenzymes containing the pyridoxal phosphate co-factor and do not teach orsuggest anything about inhibition of malodor resulting from the activityof enzymes which do not contain this co-factor and which generate sweatmalodor through the cleavage of different precursors than those taughtin these documents.

In a more recent document, U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,043, the malodorcounteracting efficacy of some of the amino-acid derivatives taught inthe above mentioned patent family have been put into doubt, and a novelsolution based on the use of amino acids strictly in the D-form has beenproposed.

Other efforts to attempt to provide valid solutions to the sweat malodorproblem have relied on the increasing knowledge available on the natureof the chemical species thought to be responsible for the perception ofsweat malodor and propose the use of specific chemicals as malodorstandards to identify possible modulators of the malodor. One can citein this context the contribution disclosed in US 2007/0298994, whichrelies on the use of 3-mercapto-3-methyl-hexan-1-ol as malodor standard.This compound had been reported a few years before as an importantcomponent of human sweat, and already proposed as a possiblerepresentative of the sulfury notes typical of sweat malodor, capable ofserving as a malodor marker, but its use as a sensory marker as taughtin the above-mentioned US application has not provided heretofore aquantitative solution to sweat malodor counteraction, very likelybecause the latter problem is more complex and cannot be solved throughthe sensory coverage of this compound's odor alone.

The present applicant has also provided a prior art contribution in WO2006/079934, wherein there is described a method for screening compoundscapable of inhibiting the malodor generated by the enzymatic activity ofa variety of microorganisms, when the latter are put into contact withspecific precursors as taught therein. A large amount of possibleprecursors is disclosed in this document, which also suggests a verylarge group of possible malodor inhibiting compounds, based on thestructure of the precursors used, but gives no guidance as to the use ofother malodor modulators, not structurally related to the precursor.

The present invention aims at providing a new and quantitative solutionto the problem of sweat malodor reduction and more preferablysuppression and inhibition thereof, by providing methods for thecreation and use of specific and efficient malodor counteracting (MOC)compositions and products, which rely on specific combinations ofingredients presenting well-defined malodor counteracting parametersthat we have surprisingly established as being essential to ensureefficient sweat malodor suppression. The present invention thereforeprovides an original and advantageous contribution to the solution ofthe sweat malodor problem.

SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to malodor counteracting (MOC)compositions able to at least reduce, and more preferably suppress,sweat malodor, comprising at least 30% by weight, relative to the weightof MOC composition, of at least one MOC ingredient, wherein the latteris characterized by a malodor inhibition coefficient of at least 25%, ata MOC ingredient weight per volume (w/v) concentration in an appropriatemedium, against malodor generated by Staphylococcus haemolyticusenzymatic activity in said medium.

We have now surprisingly established that compositions containing suchan ingredient or ingredients are capable of efficiently suppressingsweat malodor.

The parameters defining the MOC ingredients according to the inventionare a result of the fact that we have surprisingly established thatcertain ingredients could effectively interfere with the bacterialactivity on fresh sweat, so as to modify this activity in a mannermaking it possible to reduce or suppress the formation of malodor. Freshsweat does not have a bad odor, but upon activity thereon of bacteriapresent on the skin, in particular on the axillary skin, certainprecursors contained in the sweat generate malodorant metabolites. TheMOC ingredients according to the invention, having a malodor inhibitioncoefficient of at least 25%, at a concentration of ingredient in theappropriate medium of at least 0.005% w/v, relative to the total volumeof the medium, effectively interfere with such bacterial activity whichis typically of an enzymatic nature, presenting a capacity to reduce orentirely suppress sweat malodor.

Compositions comprising one or more ingredients, and preferably at leastthree MOC ingredients, as defined above are preferred according to theinvention. Even better performing MOC compositions according to theinvention are those which comprise one or more ingredients characterizedby a malodor inhibition coefficient of at least 30%, and preferably of50% or more, at an ingredient concentration, in the appropriate medium,of at least 0.0125% w/v, relative to the volume of the medium.

As used herein, “a malodor counteracting (MOC) composition” is to beunderstood as a mixture of one or more MOC ingredients as defined aboveand which is capable of at least reducing the perception of malodor,i.e. of an odor that is unpleasant or offensive to the human nose.

According to the invention, the individual MOC ingredients, and theirmixtures and compositions containing such MOC ingredients, as definedherein, can be used to reduce the malodor perceived from sweat, eitheras collected from individuals and used in a medium or surface which isnot part of the human body, or in the form of sweat present on a sweatedsurface such as skin, hair or clothing, and as perceived by anindividual or individuals in the vicinity of the malodor source.

By “a malodor inhibition coefficient” it is understood here a %inhibition value, relative to reference conditions, which is measuredvia a method essentially similar to that generally described in WO2006/079934, more particularly on pages 8 and 11-15 of the abovedocument, and in the examples there-provided, and which requires that aningredient to be screened be put into contact with bacterial cells ofStaphylococcus haemolyticus, or with a β-lyase present in such cells, inthe presence of a specific precursor of malodorant metabolites. Thereference conditions correspond to 0% of malodor inhibition, i.e. to100% generation of the malodorant metabolites under the screeningconditions, in the absence of the MOC ingredient or composition.

The type of Staphylococcus haemolyticus strain suitable for useaccording to the invention is any one of the common strains of thisbacterium which colonizes the human underarm region and has been foundto efficiently release volatile sulfur compounds when put into contactwith sweat or with a sulphur precursor typically present in fresh sweat.Useful such strains have been previously cited in WO 2006/079934, andmany others can be used in the measurements according to the invention.The typical and preferred conditions of preparation of these bacteriastrains are described in detail in this prior art document, and in theexamples presented further on, wherein the specific Staphylococcushaemolyticus CNCM I-4170 strain has been used in the appropriate mediumproviding definition of the characterizing malodor inhibitioncoefficient for the ingredients and compositions according to theinvention.

Further details of such a screening and % inhibition measurement anddefinition are described further on in this application. The precursorused, which may also be in the form of a human sweat sample, typicallygenerates malodorant sulfur compounds when acted upon by theStaphylococcus haemolyticus cells, or by a β-lyase present in suchcells. The malodor inhibition coefficient, as defined herein, reflectsthe % of reduction in free SH groups generated in the above-mentionedmedium by the enzymatic activity of the bacterial cells when in presenceof the MOC ingredient or MOC composition in question, as compared to thesame measurement in their absence.

The concentration in free SH groups can be detected via commonly knownmethods, as described in WO 2006/079934, and in a more recent disclosureby M. Troccaz et al. in Chemistry and Diversity, 2008, vol. 5, pages2372 to 2385, more particularly page 2384. A malodor inhibitioncoefficient of 30% for example, therefore means a capacity of the MOCingredient to reduce by 30% the concentration of SH groups in theappropriate medium, as compared to the concentration thereof in theabsence of said ingredient.

By an “appropriate medium” we mean here the medium wherein theappropriate precursor, and more preferably the Cys-Gly precursorexemplified further on, is put into contact with bacterial cells ofStaphylococcus haemolyticus, under the generally known conditionsdescribed in WO 2006/079934, and to which the MOC ingredient orcomposition, as the case may be, is added to counteract the malodorgenerated by the bacterial or enzymatic cleavage of the precursor.

More specifically, by the “appropriate medium”, in which the MOCingredient presents the defined malodor inhibition coefficient, it isunderstood here a medium consisting essentially of a suspension ofbacterial cells of Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a buffer, preferably100 millimolar potassium phosphate (pH 7.5) buffer, also comprising asulphur precursor of sweat malodor, preferably the Cys-Gly precursorS-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylbutyl]-L-cysteinylglycine, at a weightconcentration of 0.17 millimolar (mM). Alternatively, the bacterialcells can be replaced by a β-lyase present in said cells.

The defined concentration of the MOC ingredient in the appropriatemedium is understood here to mean a weight % concentration of at least0.005%, relative to the volume of said medium (w/v %). More preferably,this concentration shall be at least 0.0125% w/v. Even more preferably,the MOC ingredient shall be present in the medium at a concentration ofbetween 0.0125 and 0.05% or even 0.1% w/v, to provide a malodorinhibition coefficient of at least 30%, and more preferably above 50%,relative to the maximum malodor reference under the same conditions.

According to the invention, the MOC compositions may contain 50% byweight or more, relative to the weight of composition, of MOCingredients.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the MOCcompositions comprise at least 30% by weight of said MOC ingredient oringredients, each of which is characterized by a malodor inhibitioncoefficient of at least 50% at a minimal concentration of 0.0125 w/v andmore preferably 0.025%. The more active and preferred MOC ingredientsfor the MOC compositions of the invention shall be characterized by amalodor inhibition coefficient of 75% or more, at a concentration in themedium of at least 0.0125 or 0.0250 w/v, relative to the volume of themedium.

A second parameter possibly characterizing the MOC ingredients andcompositions according to the invention, is a “malodor reduction value”,which is understood here to be a value reflecting the perceived malodorreduction obtained in the presence of said MOC ingredient orcomposition, as compared to a reference value defined under similarconditions but in the absence of said ingredient or composition. Thedefined value is the result of a panel sensorial test and is defined ona scale of measurement wherein the reference value of maximum malodorperception (no malodor reduction at all) corresponds to 5.

It is therefore the difference between the maximum malodor perceived bya panel of evaluator individuals from the bacterial transformation ofeither sweat collected from human axilla, or of an appropriate precursortypically present in sweat, and the malodor perceived by the sameevaluating panel from the same bacterial transformation, under similarconditions, but when the latter is carried out in the presence of theMOC ingredient or composition. Both the defined and the reference valuesare averaged values, statistically treated for standard deviation. Amalodor reduction value of 2 for example means therefore that themalodor score attributed by the panel, on average, when the MOCingredient or composition is applied to the sweat/bacteria containingsensory evaluation medium (or to the precursor/bacteria containingsensory evaluation medium), under controlled conditions, is reduced by 2units relative to the reference value of the maximum sweat malodorperceived from the same medium, under the same conditions, when no MOCingredient or composition is added thereto.

The sensory panel methods used for defining this malodor reduction valueare described further on in the examples. They provide a sensory measureof the capacity of said ingredient or composition to effectively reducethe malodor perceived by the evaluators upon application of thecompositions of the invention to sweated or sweat-containing media orsurfaces.

By contrast, the malodor inhibition coefficient is an analyticalydetermined value of the same capacity to reduce sweat malodor, butmeasured as a function of the concentration, in the appropriate medium,of metabolites resulting from the bacterial transformation of anappropriate precursor capable of generating said malodorant metabolitesin the presence of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. We have now been able toestablish that the MOC compositions of the invention which have acombination of these two parameters as described below provideunexpected efficacy against sweat malodor.

The MOC compositions according to the invention, which more preferablycomprise at least three MOC ingredients as defined above, possesssurprisingly useful malodor counteracting properties against sweatmalodor and they are capable of masking, reducing, or even suppressingand/or neutralizing the latter, when applied to sweat collected from theaxilla of individuals or to precursors present in such sweat. Moreover,they render consumer products such as perfumes, colognes and bodysprays, or yet body deodorants and antiperspirants, to which they areadded, particularly effective against malodor generated by body sweat.

MOC compositions wherein each of said MOC ingredients are characterizedby a malodor inhibition coefficient of at least 50%, at an ingredientconcentration of at least 0.0125% w/v in the appropriate medium and,amongst these, compositions comprising MOC ingredients characterized byat least 75% malodor inhibition coefficient are surprisinglyadvantageous and provide above 80% malodor reduction.

The malodor counteracting (MOC) compositions of the invention thusobtained are characterized by a malodor inhibition coefficient of about40% or more, at a MOC composition volume/volume (v/v) concentration inthe appropriate medium of at least 0.0125%, against malodor generated byStaphylococcus haemolyticus enzymatic activity in said medium. Themalodor reduction value of such compositions is typically of at least 2,on the sensory scale wherein the maximum malodor reduction value,measured in the absence of the MOC composition, is 5. Moreover, amongstthe latter, the MOC compositions of the invention which arecharacterized by a malodor inhibition coefficient of at least 50%against sweat malodor generated by the activity of a mixture of bacteriaof Staphylococcus haemolyticus and a mixture of Corynebacterium spp. onhuman skin, or on sweat collected from human skin, preferably from theaxillary area, provide advantageous consumer products against sweatmalodor.

By a defined “MOC composition concentration” it is understood here avolume/volume concentration of at least 0.01%, relative to the volume ofthe sensory evaluation medium, defined as previously. More preferably,this concentration shall be at least 0.0125% v/v and preferably it willbe comprised between 0.0125 and 0.05, or even 0.1% v/v, relative to thevolume of the medium.

Preferred MOC compositions of the invention are also compositionswherein the MOC ingredients or ingredients are selected from the groupconsisting of:(−)-(2E)-2-ethyl-4-[(1R)-2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl]-2-buten-1-ol;3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal; 4-cyclohexyl-2-methyl-2-butanol;3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal;(+)-(1S,2S,3S)-2,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-spiro-2′-cyclohexen-4′-one;cashmeran (1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4-indenone);9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and mixturesthereof; nerolidol; 1,4-dioxacyclohexadecane-5,16-dione;8,12-epoxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane;(−)-(1′R,E)-3,3-dimethyl-5-(2′,2′,3′-trimethyl-3′-cyclopenten-1′-yl)-4-penten-2-ol;(E)-2-dodecenal; 3-decanal, 2-methyldecanal and mixtures thereof;8-isopropyl-6-methyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-carbaldehyde;3-(3-isopropyl-1-phenyl)butanal; (E)-2-decenal;3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde,4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde and mixturesthereof; 9-undecenal; vetyver essential oil; vetyverone;4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-decahydrocyclododeca-1,3-oxazole; 2-tridecenal;9-undecenal, 10-undecenal and mixtures thereof; nonanal;(+)-(4R)-1-p-menthene-9-carbaldehyde; (E)-4-decenal;3,7-dimethyloctanal; eucalyptus essential oil;3-(3,3-dimethyl-5-indanyl)propanal, 3-(1,1-dimethyl-5-indanyl)propanaland mixtures thereof; (Z)-4-dodecenal;3-(6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)propane; and mixtures oftwo or more of the preceding ingredients.

Sweat malodor counteracting compositions comprising at least 30% byweight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of ingredientsselected from the group above-defined are preferred.

Amongst the latter, embodiments of the compositions in which at least50% by weight of the MOC composition is formed of 9,12-octadecadienoicacid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, or mixtures thereof, provideexcellent malodor counteracting products, particularly when they furthercomprise from 5 to 30% by weight of 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal.

Typically, any particular embodiments of the MOC compositions of theinvention, characterized by at least 60% malodor inhibition coefficient,at a composition concentration of at least 0.0125% v/v in theappropriate medium, against malodor generated by Staphylococcushaemolyticus enzymatic activity in said medium, and a malodor reductionvalue of at least 2, and preferably 3 or 4, provide prime embodiments ofthe MOC compositions.

All the MOC compositions of the invention, in particular embodiments,may be essentially or entirely formed, i.e. contain more than 50% byweight, or be formed essentially of 100% by weight of MOC ingredients,the latter being defined as previously anywhere in this description.This means therefore that the MOC compositions may “consist” (contain100% by weight of) said MOC ingredients.

Specific examples of embodiments of MOC compositions according to theinvention are presented further on.

The MOC compositions of the invention are particularly useful for thepreparation of consumer products capable of reducing or suppressing thebody malodor generated by sweating, to which they are added in agenerally known manner and in concentrations which are dependent of theMOC activity of said composition and of the nature of the consumerproduct into which the latter is incorporated. The invention thereforealso relates to such consumer products, of which perfumes, colognes andbody sprays are particular examples, as they are typically used by theconsumer to provide a pleasant scent to skin and hair in particular. Ofcourse, such perfuming compositions may also be used to spray textilesfor example, in particular clothes and other body and hair weartextiles, which can acquire malodor through the user's sweating, so asto possibly prevent the development of malodor from textiles carryingfresh sweat and small amounts of skin bacteria.

As “perfuming compositions” according to the invention it is understoodhere compositions which are distinct from the MOC compositionspreviously defined (formed of only MOC ingredients). The perfumingcompositions typically contain the MOC composition together with aperfuming co-ingredient, a solvent or an adjuvant or carrier of currentuse in perfumery, or a mixture of two or more of the latter.

The MOC composition may be used in the perfuming compositions in a largevariety of concentrations, comprised between 10 and 80% by weight of theweight of perfuming composition, and more preferably of at least 20% byweight of the latter's total weight.

Preferred embodiments of the perfuming compositions of the invention,namely perfumes, colognes, body sprays, may comprise from 40 to 60% byweight of MOC composition as defined previously.

A perfuming composition which has a malodor inhibition coefficient of atleast 60%, measured at a defined perfuming composition concentration inthe appropriate medium, against malodor generated by Staphylococcushaemolyticus enzymatic activity in said medium, and a malodor reductionvalue of at least 3, is also an object of the present invention.

By a defined “perfuming composition concentration” it is understood herea concentration of at least 0.02% v/v, and more preferably comprisedbetween 0.025 and 0.05% v/v, relative to the volume of the medium.

To provide the desired MOC effects to counteract sweat malodor, a MOCingredient can be used on its own, more preferably in the form of theabove-defined MOC compositions, or yet in the form of the perfumingcompositions containing in particular perfuming co-ingredients, meaningother ingredients added mainly for their perfuming effect. Therefore,the perfuming compositions of the invention comprise at least twodistinct components, the MOC composition of the invention and a mixtureof fragrance ingredients typically of a different nature and which areessentially intended to provide a desired hedonic effect of a pleasantnature.

By a “perfuming co-ingredient” it is meant here a compound of currentuse in perfumery, which is used in perfuming a composition or consumerproduct, to impart a pleasant odor thereto. In other words, such aco-ingredient must be recognized by a person skilled in the art as beingable to impart or modify, in a positive or pleasant way, the odor of acomposition, and not just as having an odor.

The nature and type of the perfuming co-ingredients of the MOCcomposition in the perfumes and perfuming compositions of the inventiondo not warrant a more detailed description here, which in any case wouldnot be exhaustive, the skilled person being able to select them on thebasis of its general knowledge and according to intended use orapplication and the desired perfuming effect. In general terms, theseperfuming co-ingredients belong to chemical classes as varied asalcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, acetates, nitriles,terpene hydrocarbons, nitrogenous or sulfurous heterocyclic compoundsand essential oils, and said perfuming co-ingredients can be of naturalor synthetic origin. Many of these co-ingredients are in any case listedin reference texts such as the book by S. Arctander, Perfume and FlavorChemicals, 1969, Montclair, N.J., USA, or its more recent versions, andin other works and textbooks of a similar nature, as well as in theabundant patent literature in the field of perfumery. It is alsounderstood that said co-ingredients may also be compounds known torelease in a controlled manner various types of perfuming compounds,either through chemical reaction cleavage of chemical bonds of heavierprecursors or through physical release of such perfuming compounds, forexample when the latter are encapsulated or carried in emulsion,microemulsion and/or nanoemulsion type perfume carrier system.

As liquid carriers for such perfuming ingredients or as components ofthe perfuming compositions of the invention, one may cite, asnon-limiting examples, an emulsifying system, i.e. a solvent and asurfactant system, or a solvent commonly used in perfumery. A detaileddescription of the nature and type of solvents commonly used inperfumery cannot be exhaustive. However, one can cite as non-limitingexample solvents such as di-propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate,isopropyl myristate, benzyl benzoate, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-1-ethanol orethyl citrate, which are commonly used. Others, having an equivalentfunction of solubilizing the MOC compositions and their perfumingco-ingredients, are equally adapted to be used in the perfumingcompositions of the invention.

The perfuming co-ingredients, as well as the MOC ingredients andcompositions of the invention, used to prepare the perfumingcompositions, and consumer products such as body deodorants andantiperspirants, may also be present in a solid form, encapsulated ordispersed in solid carriers. As appropriate solid carriers one may cite,as non-limiting examples, absorbing gums or polymers, or yetencapsulating materials. Examples of such materials may comprisewall-forming and plasticizing materials, such as mono, di- ortri-saccharides, natural or modified starches, hydrocolloids, cellulosederivatives, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinylalcohols, proteins or pectins,or yet the materials cited in reference texts such as H. Scherz,Hydrokolloids: Stabilisatoren, Dickungs- and Gehermittel inLebensmittel, Band 2 der Schriftenreihe Lebensmittelchemie,Lebensmittelqualität, Behr's VerlagGmbH & Co., Hamburg, 1996 and othertextbooks in the art of encapsulation or entrapment of compounds andcompositions such as perfumes, flavors and pharmaceuticals.

Encapsulation is a well known process to a person skilled in the art,and may be performed, for instance, using techniques such asspray-drying, agglomeration or yet extrusion; or it may also consist ofa coating encapsulation method, including coacervation and complexcoacervation techniques, core shell encapsulation methods, etc. Providedthat the encapsulation system does not negatively affect the MOCactivity and efficacy of the MOC compositions, or of the perfumingcompositions of the invention, any type of delayed release systemcarrier, providing for physical release of the entrapped materials, isadapted as a carrier for the MOC and perfuming ingredients andcompositions as defined herein.

Preferred encapsulates of the MOC ingredients and compositions of theinvention, and of the perfuming co-ingredients, which can be used in theperfuming compositions and other consumer products cited above, are themicrocapsule systems commercialized by Firmenich SA (Switzerland) underthe tradenames Fircaps® and PopScent® for example, based respectively onmodified starch and melamine resin or polyurea type carriers.

The MOC and perfuming ingredients may also be used in the form ofchemical release systems, i.e. heavier molecules which are capable ofreleasing the MOC ingredient and/or perfuming ingredient by chemicalcleavage under the conditions of use—many such chemical release systemshave been disclosed in the prior art, namely in the patent literature,which release the MOC ingredient via hydrolysis, photolysis or othersuch reaction mechanisms. One may cite in this context prior artdocuments such as for example WO 95/04809, EP 0971021, WO 03/049666, EP0936211, WO 99/60990, WO 01/28980, WO 08/093272, WO 98/47477, US2004/0102357, DE 3003494 and WO 95/08976, provided that such chemicalrelease systems, under the conditions of their application, allow therelease of the corresponding active MOC ingredient.

It goes without saying that, provided the encapsulation or chemicalrelease technologies for delayed release of an ingredient or compositionin application, does not interfere with the capacity of said ingredientor composition to fulfill the objective of the present invention, i.e.the reduction or suppression of sweat malodor, particularly in axillarskin, any combination thereof with the present invention malodorcounteraction technology is appropriate to provide compositionembodiments of the invention as presently disclosed and claimed.

As mentioned above, consumer products containing the MOC compositions orthe perfuming compositions of the invention, such as body deodorants andantiperspirants, are also an object of the present invention. The natureof such products can be any and is well-known to the person skilled inthe art of cosmetics and products for body and hair care in particular.These consumer products are commonly perfumed and the MOC compositionsof the invention can be added thereto as such, or as components of theperfuming compositions of the invention.

Such consumer products typically comprise a consumer product base, inaddition to the MOC and/or perfuming composition of the invention.

For the sake of clarity, by “consumer product base” we mean here a basewhich is distinct from, but compatible with, the MOC and perfumingcompositions of the invention, and which is typically formed ofsubstances capable of achieving the functional effect required typicallyfrom that product, such as freshening, deodorizing and odorneutralizing. Typical consumer product bases are the functional mixturesof ingredients that form the base of for example a body care preparationsuch as a body deodorant or antiperspirant. The latter may assume anyform that is current, such as for example the form of a cream, gel,spray, pump-spray or aerosol, or yet stick. Such deodorants andantiperspirants are very well-known to the cosmetic specialist and thechoice of their ingredients and forms does not require any particulareffort beyond the general skill of the practitioner in the art ofcosmetics and particularly body deodorants and antiperspirants.

Thus the nature and type of the constituents of the consumer productbase do not warrant a more detailed description here, which in any casewould not be exhaustive, the skilled person being able to select them onthe basis of its general knowledge and according to the nature and thedesired effect of said product. Merely as examples of appropriate suchbases, representative of deodorant and antiperspirant consumer products,one can cite in this context prior art documents such as U.S. Pat. No.6,060,043 and US 2002/037264. The latter describe in detail the types ofingredients, and their concentration and function, which are common insuch consumer product bases. Of course, many other prior art documentscan be found which detail appropriate deodorant and antiperspirant basesin particular, into which the MOC compositions and perfumingcompositions of the invention can be incorporated to provide a sweatmalodor counteraction effect.

Some of the above-mentioned consumer product bases may representaggressive media for the MOC or perfuming compositions of the invention,so that it may be necessary to protect the latter from prematuredecomposition, for example by encapsulation as previously mentioned.

The proportions in which the MOC compositions, or the perfumingcompositions containing them, can be incorporated into the variousaforementioned consumer products may vary within a wide range of values.These values are dependent on the nature of the product as well as onthe desired malodor counteracting effect that one wants to achieve. Inmany of these consumer products, the amount of perfuming compositioncontaining the MOC component that is typically added to the consumerproduct is comprised between 0.01 and 10%, more preferably of at least0.5%, and even more preferably between 1 and 5%, by weight, of MOC orperfuming composition according to the invention, relative to the totalweight of the consumer product. More common ranges are comprised between0.05 and 5% by weight, or yet from 0.1 to 3% and more preferably between0.3 and 2% by weight, relative to the weight of the deodorant orantiperspirant in which the compositions are incorporated.

A body deodorant or antiperspirant which has a malodor inhibitioncoefficient of at least 60%, measured at a concentration of at least0.5% v/v of said deodorant or antiperspirant in the appropriate medium,against malodor generated by Staphylococcus haemolyticus enzymaticactivity in said medium, and a malodor reduction value of at least 3,and more preferably 4, is also an embodiment of the invention.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided amethod to counteract sweat malodor, wherein there is applied to sweat,to a sweat-generating surface, or to a sweat-carrying surface, a malodorcounteracting (MOC) composition as previously defined, in a form andamount appropriate and sufficient to reduce, mask, eliminate or preventany sweat malodor perception by an individual exposed to the sweat or tosaid surface. Preferably, the MOC composition is applied to human skinor hair, and preferably to the human axillary skin. Any embodiment ofthe MOC composition, perfuming composition, or perfumed productpreviously described in this disclosure, is appropriate for useaccording to this method.

Embodiments of the method of the invention comprise methods wherein theMOC composition or perfuming composition of the invention is applied inthe form of a perfuming composition, namely a perfume, a cologne, or inthe form of a body deodorant or antiperspirant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a) to d) show the % malodor inhibition effectiveness of areference Perfume A to which the MOC compositions of the inventiondescribed in Examples 1 to 10 were added in a variety of concentrations,as a function of the perfume's capability to reduce the malodor ofsulfur-like smelling compounds generated according to the testingProtocol A. (Example 15).

FIGS. 2 a) to d) show the % malodor inhibition effectiveness of areference Perfume B to which the MOC compositions of the inventiondescribed in Examples 1 to 10 were added in a variety of concentrations,as a function of the perfume's capability to reduce the malodor ofsulfur-like smelling compounds generated according to the testingProtocol A. (Example 16).

FIG. 3 shows the malodor counteraction effectiveness of a spraydeodorant product comprising MOC composition 9 of the invention, asmeasured via the panel based sensory method described in Example 17 asProtocol B.

FIG. 4 shows the malodor counteraction effectiveness of anantiperspirant product comprising MOC composition 1, and the mixture ofthe latter with Perfume A, as measured via the panel sensory methoddescribed in Example 18.

FIG. 5 shows the malodor counteraction effectiveness of MOC composition1, at various volume % concentrations in the testing medium, as measuredvia the panel sensory method described in Example 17.

FIG. 6 shows the malodor counteraction effectiveness of MOC composition9, at various volume % concentrations in the testing medium, as measuredvia the panel sensory method described in Example 17.

FIG. 7 shows the malodor counteraction effectiveness of MOC composition9, at various weight % concentrations in the AP base described inExample 18, as measured via the panel sensory method described inExample 17.

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be described in further detail by way of thefollowing examples.

Examples 1 to 14 Malodor Counteracting (MOC) Compositions and their Useto Reduce Perception of Sweat Malodor

A number of malodor counteracting compositions according to theinvention were prepared by admixture, in the proportions indicated, ofthe MOC ingredients listed in Tables 1 and 2. The latter also summarizethe ability of each of said ingredients to reduce sweat malodor, asevidenced by the respective malodor inhibition coefficient indicated foreach ingredient. These values were measured via the method indicatedhereafter, designated as Protocol A.

Protocol A. In-Vitro Malodor Inhibition of Individual MOCIngredients—General Conditions of Evaluation

A Cys-Gly precursor,S-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylbutyl]-L-cysteinylglycine, is subject toenzymatic transformation both in the absence (blank test) and in thepresence of each MOC ingredient. Detection of enzymatic activityinhibition is measured via the sulfur groups, namely thiol groups, freedfrom the precursor bacterial transformation, by comparison with thereference experiment in the absence of the respective MOC ingredient,said sulfur groups being detected by interaction with DTNB, a knownchemical detector system for thiols. The reaction can be monitored byabsorbance reading at 412 nm. The procedure can be performedindifferently with either a purified or semi-purified enzyme or intactbacterial cells, as in the case described here. Malodor inhibitioncoefficient is measured as a function of the percentage of free thiolgroups in the medium, over time, by an absorbance method, and reflectsthe reduction in malodor obtained in the presence of the MOC ingredientsand compositions.

Reagents and Equipment

-   -   Preparation of bacterial suspension    -   Staphylococcus haemolyticus CNCM I-4170 was grown under        generally known conditions in Brain-Heart Infusion plus 0.5% of        Tween® 80. At the end of the growth phase, the bacterial cells        were harvested by centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 15 min. The        cell pellet was then washed with 0.1 volumes of sterile        potassium phosphate buffer 0.1 M, pH 7.5. Cell pellets were        finally concentrated 5 times in the same buffer. 0.25 Volumes of        this suspension were then added to each sample to be tested, to        a final volume of 200 μl.    -   Preparation of the Cys-Gly precursor (enzyme substrate)    -   Cys-Gly-precursor (MM=292.1 g/mole), prepared as described in WO        2006/079934, was dissolved at 0.25 mg/ml in potassium phosphate        buffer 0.1 M, pH=7.5, leading to a 0.86 mM solution. The        precursor was used at 0.17 mM final concentration.    -   Detection reagent DTNB    -   DTNB (5,5′-Dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid; MM=396.36 g/mol) was        prepared at 3.9 mg/ml (equivalent to 10 mM) in potassium        phosphate buffer 50 mM, pH=7.5+0.1 mM EDTA. The reagent was used        at 0.5 mM final concentration.    -   Reader Type:    -   Standard absorbance reader.    -   Liquid Handling:    -   Manual or automatic handling using a conventional robotic        station.

-   General Procedure: reagents are admixed, and the reaction is started    by adding the bacterial cell suspension as the last reagent.    -   Absorbance measurements, over time and relative to a blank, were        taken, the final volume of each sample having been kept constant        at 200 ml.

As is apparent from the Tables 1 and 2, the MOC ingredients according tothe invention were active against sweat malodor in a range ofconcentrations varying from about 0.001 to 0.1% w/v, relative to thevolume of the appropriate medium. Preferred activities were observed ina range of concentrations between 0.005 and 0.1% w/v.

Following this same procedure indicated above, but using instead of theindividual ingredients the fourteen MOC compositions according to theinvention listed in Tables 1 and 2, we established that each suchcomposition was capable of providing the malodor reduction effectindicated in the results summarized in Tables 3 and 4.

As the results in Tables 3 and 4 show, the MOC compositions of theinvention, which comprised at least 40% by weight, and in many cases 80%or more, of MOC ingredients according to the invention, when used at aconcentration of at least 0.01% v/v relative to the total volume of thetest medium, provided malodor inhibition coefficients representing amalodor reduction of at least 50%, relative to the activity of thereference, and even at lower concentrations were still able to providean efficient malodor counteracting effect.

The compositions of the invention effectively reduced sweat malodor whenused in a range of concentrations of between 0.006 and 0.025% v/v,relative to the appropriate medium volume, and had essentiallysuppressed all malodor at this higher range limit value ofconcentration.

TABLE 1 Ingredient Malodor Inhibition Value (%) Concentration in Medium(w/v %) MOC INGREDIENT 0.0006 0.0012 0.0025 0.006 0.0125 0.025 0.05 0.1(-)-(2E)-2-Ethyl-4- 0.00 21.16 70.79 79.96 80.33 [(1R)-2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl]-2- buten-1-ol ¹⁾ Bourgeonal²⁾ 4.15 7.06 42.61Coranol ® ³⁾ 0.00 0.00 10.83 49.78 77.73 77.76 Lilial ® ⁴⁾ 0.90 9.4737.51 80.98 89.99 (+)-(1S,2S,3S)-2,6,6- 0.00 14.02 26.00 72.64 75.9475.68 Trimethyl- bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane- 3-spiro-2′-cyclohexen- 4′-one ¹⁾Cashmeran 0.00 0.00 19.17 54.04 71.46 70.07 73.15 Mixture of 9,12- 54.3569.63 79.57 84.91 100 100 octadecadienoic acid & 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid Nerolidol 0.00 6.52 53.50 56.88 68.45 66.85 1,4-0.00 0.00 0.00 28.18 37.31 36.48 Dioxacyclohexadecane- 5,16-dione¹⁾Tetrahydromyrcenol 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 41.38 72.56 66.63 Ambrox ® ⁵⁾0.00 0.00 18.23 38.00 Terpenyl acetate 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.8100.00 4-tert-Butyl-1- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 59.78 89.12 cyclohexanol Cloveabsolute 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.00 100.00 (-)-(1′R,E)-3,3- 0.0027.39 75.11 76.95 76.65 Dimethyl-5-(2′,2′,3′- trimethyl-3′-cyclopenten-1′-yl)-4- penten-2-ol ¹⁾ Essential cedar oil 0.00 0.00 11.2317.00 20.00 3,5,5-Trimethyl-1- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 34.95 58.33 62.93hexanol Cardamome essential 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25.06 oil Orangeterpenes 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 32.10 Patchouli essential oil 17.51 MOCCOMPOSITIONS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MOC INGREDIENT (Ingredientconcentration w/w %) (-)-(2E)-2-Ethyl-4- 6.00 6.00 6.00[(1R)-2,2,3-trimethyl- 3-cyclopenten-1-yl]-2- buten-1-ol ¹⁾ Bourgeonal²⁾2.70 Coranol ® ³⁾ 10.00 13.00 Lilial ® ⁴⁾ 7.70 3.50 58.00 64.00 29.0010.00 (+)-(1S,2S,3S)-2,6,6- 4.00 Trimethyl- bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-spiro-2′-cyclohexen- 4′-one ¹⁾ Cashmeran 0.60 Mixture of 9,12- 32.0047.00 30.00 33.00 38.00 38.00 30.00 octadecadienoic acid & 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid Nerolidol 11.00 25.00 35.00 1,4- 3.00 24.00 5.0011.00 13.00 13.00 Dioxacyclohexadecane- 5,16-dione¹⁾ Tetrahydromyrcenol10.00 Ambrox ® ⁵⁾ 0.30 Terpenyl acetate 46.00 47.00 12.00 29.00 10.0011.00 13.00 4-tert-Butyl-1- 20.00 22.00 25.00 25.00 20.00 cyclohexanolClove absolute 0.60 (-)-(1′R,E)-3,3- 0.60 Dimethyl-5-(2′,2′,3′-trimethyl-3′- cyclopenten-1′-yl)-4- penten-2-ol ¹⁾ Essential cedar oil1.50 3,5,5-Trimethyl-1- 5.00 hexanol Cardamome essential 0.60 oil Orangeterpenes 0.30 Patchouli essential oil 29.00 ¹⁾ Origin: Firmenich S A,Geneva, Switzerland ²⁾3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal; origin: FirmenichS A, Geneva, Switzerland ³⁾ 4-cyclohexyl-2-methyl-2-butanol; origin:Firmenich S A, Geneva, Switzerland ⁴⁾3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal; origin: Givaudan S A, Vernier,Switzerland ⁵⁾ 8,12-epoxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane; origin: FirmenichS A, Geneva, Switzerland

TABLE 2 Ingredient Malodor Inhibition Value (%) MOC COMPOSITIONSConcentration in Medium (w/v %) 11 12 13 14 MOC INGREDIENT 0.0006 0.00120.0025 0.005 0.0125 0.025 0.05 0.1 (Ingredient concentration w/w %)(E)-2-Dodecenal* 10.37 29.72 55.42 86.93 94 Mixture of tridecanal &29.11 39.43 83.49 2-methyldodecanal* 8-Isopropyl-6-methyl- 18.91 28.2976.89 84.45 82.89 88.20 25 bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene- 2-carbaldehyde*3-(3-Isopropyl-1- 16.63 30.10 73.81 95.51 99.45 97.34 25 phenyl)butanal*(E)-2-Decenal 21.97 28.18 66.63 90.11 100 25 Mixture of 3-(4-methyl-0.00 0.00 62.75 93.89 94.75 25 25 3-pentenyl)-3- cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde & 4-(4- methyl-3 -pentenyl)-3 - cyclohexene-1- carbaldehyde9-Undecenal* 0.00 0.00 62.41 88.95 81.80 77.86 25 Vetyver Haiti 0.000.00 58.97 58.6 25 Vetyverone 10.9 10.40 44.6 47.1 54.24,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13- 0.00 0.00 52.20 25 Decahydrocyclododeca-1,3-oxazole 2-Tridecenal (ethyl 28.98 40.19 50 81 25 citrate solution)10-Undecenal 3.00 49.2 20 25 Mixture of 10-undecenal 8.26 2.38 49.2 20 &9-undecenal Nonanal 5.26 5.08 40.21 80.43 94.81 97.81 20 25 Orrisconcrete 4.22 14.17 39.45 (+)-(4R)-1-P-Menthene- 0.00 3.44 34.61 81.6897.82 25 9-carbaldehyde* (E)-4-Decenal 21.97 28.18 66.63 90.11 1003,7-Dimethyloctanal 0.00 0.00 18.1 66.7 Eucalyptus essential oil 37.8772.74 Mixture of 3-(3,3- 0.00 0.00 52 dimethyl-5- indanyl)propanal, & 3-(1,1-dimethyl-5- indanyl)propanal (Z)-4-Dodecenal 0.00 0.00 6.96 76.5320 3-(6,6-Dimethyl- 0.00 4.58 82.87 96.73 100 96.35 20bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en- 2-yl)propanal *Origin: Firmenich S A, Geneva,Switzerland

TABLE 3 Composition Malodor inhibition coefficient (%) MOC Concentrationin Medium (v/v %) COMPOSITION 0.025 0.0125 0.00625 1 100.0 86.7 31.9 287.7 92.0 52.5 3 89.3 81.3 44.2 4 84.6 81.4 48.1 5 64.3 57.2 18.9 6 76.771.8 48.1 7 67.7 70.5 39.6 8 64.3 73.2 48.0 9 78.4 66.4 43.3 10 70.885.2 45.4

TABLE 4 Composition Malodor inhibition coefficient (%) MOC Concentrationin Medium (v/v %) COMPOSITION 0.025 0.0125 0.00625 11 96.97 48.56 0 1283.39 37.42 6.95 13 91.64 68.50 9.15 14 92.34 68.81 19.6

Example 15 Preparation of Perfuming Compositions Comprising the MalodorCounteracting (MOC) Compositions and their Use to Reduce Perception ofSweat Malodor

Novel perfuming compositions according to the invention were prepared byadding to a reference perfume A of the woody, oriental, spicy type,which showed no malodor reduction capability when tested on its ownaccording to the Protocol A. described in Example 1, a variety of MOCcompositions according to the invention, in a number of concentrations.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the addition of the MOC compositions toperfume A rendered the novel perfumes of the invention very efficient tocounteract sweat malodor.

FIGS. 1 a) to d) represent the % of malodor inhibition obtainedaccording to Protocol A. of the MOC compositions of the invention, whichcomprised at least 80% by weight of MOC ingredients according to theinvention, when used at varied concentrations in the medium togetherwith perfume A.

In FIGS. 1 a) and b) the concentration of (perfume A+MOC composition)was kept constant at 0.025% v/v in the medium, the relative proportionsof perfume A/MOC composition varying from 100:1 to 1:1.

In FIGS. 1 c) and d) the perfume A concentration was kept constant at avalue of 0.025% v/v relative to the medium, and the concentration of MOCcomposition in the latter was varied so as to obtain the concentrationsof MOC composition in the medium indicated in the X axis.

When used in the test medium at a concentration of at least 0.015% v/v,relative to the total volume of the test medium, the MOC compositions ofthe invention provided malodor inhibition coefficients representing amalodor reduction of at least 30%, relative to the activity of thefragrance on its own, and in many cases well above 50%. In the figures,the concentration of MOC composition in the testing medium is indicatedon the X axis.

Example 16 Preparation of Perfuming Compositions Comprising the MalodorCounteracting (MOC) Compositions and their Use to Reduce Perception ofSweat Malodor

Novel perfuming compositions according to the invention were prepared byadding to a reference perfume B of the aromatic, citrus, woody type,which showed no malodor reduction capability when tested on its ownaccording to the Protocol A. described in Example 1, a variety of MOCcompositions according to the invention, in a number of concentrations.

As is apparent from FIG. 2, the addition of the MOC compositions toperfume B rendered the novel perfumes of the invention very efficient tocounteract sweat malodor.

FIGS. 2 a) to d) represent the % of malodor inhibition obtainedaccording to Protocol A. of the MOC compositions of the invention, whichcomprised at least 80% by weight of MOC ingredients according to theinvention, when used at varied concentrations in the fragrance.

When used in the test medium at a concentration of at least 0.004% v/v,relative to the total volume of the test medium, the MOC compositions ofthe invention provided malodor inhibition coefficients representing amalodor reduction of at least 30%, relative to the activity of thefragrance on its own, and in many cases well above 50%. In the figures,the concentration of MOC composition in the medium is indicated on the Xaxis. The perfume B was used in the test medium at a fixed concentrationof 0.025% v/v, whereas the concentration of the MOC composition wasvaried as indicated in the graphs.

Example 17 Malodor Counteracting (MOC) Effect of Compositions and theirUse to Reduce Perception of Sweat Malodor In Vitro

The MOC compositions of the invention were added, at a variety ofconcentrations, to a conventional spray body antiperspirant productrepresentative of the silicone based antiperspirants, containing asilicone base sold under the tradename Dow Corning 245.

The novel body deodorants thus obtained were tested for their ability tomask or inhibit malodor generated in a medium containing bacterial cellsof Staphylococcus haemolyticus, grown and incubated in a similar manneras previously described, and following the Protocol B. hereafter.

Protocol B. In-Vitro Malodor Inhibition as Evaluated by a Sensory Panelof Individuals.

This protocol follows the same principle as Protocol A. except that thedetection system for measuring the malodor reduction capability of thecompositions or products according to the invention is different. In thecase of the present protocol the detection is sensorial, carried out bya panel of evaluators, on blind tests.

The Cys-Gly precursor,S-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylbutyl]-L-cysteinylglycine, used at 0.01 mMin the medium, is subject to bacterial transformation both in theabsence (blank test) and in the presence of each MOC composition,perfuming composition or deodorant/antiperspirant product according tothe invention, depending on which product's malodor reduction activityone wishes to evaluate.

The malodor generated by the bacterial transformation is evaluatedolfactively (sensorial evaluation) on a defined scale of malodorintensity.

The bacterial cells of Staphylococcus haemolyticus are grown andincubated as previously described in Protocol A. 0.1 Volumes of thefinal bacterial suspension are added to each test sample (final volume450 μl).

-   General Procedure: Test samples: reagents are admixed (product to be    tested, precursor and bacterial cell suspension), and the reaction    is started by adding the bacterial cell suspension as the last    reagent, so as to form the testing medium; the samples are then    incubated at 37° C. for 18-20 h.    -   In parallel, two reference samples are prepared: a negative        reference consisting of a 3 μg/ml solution of the Cys-Gly        percursor in the 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer at pH 7.5,        which has no malodor (malodor intensity value zero), and a        positive reference which contains the same amount of Cys-Gly        precursor buffer solution, and the bacterial cells of St.        haemolyticus, but contains no MOC composition or product        according to the invention. These positive and negative        references are incubated under the same conditions as the test        samples, and provide the reference for the maximum malodor value        in the scale of evaluation, normally 5 or close to 5.    -   Once the test samples and references are ready for evaluation, a        panel of evaluators is asked to measure the malodor intensity of        each of the samples, on a blind test and according to the        following scale: 0=imperceptible malodor; 1=very weak malodor;        2=weak malodor; 3=moderate malodor; 4=intense malodor; 5=very        intense malodor.    -   The responses from the various panelists are averaged and        corrected statistically for standard deviation, to provide a        value of malodor intensity for the test sample, and the two        reference samples. The “malodor reduction value” for the test        sample is then the difference between the positive reference        malodor intensity value and the test sample malodor intensity        value.

The antiperspirant samples were tested according to this Protocol B., ata defined volume concentration, relative to the total volume of medium,and the ability of the tested deodorant sample to cover the malodor ofthe evaluation medium was determined through sensorial evaluation by thepanel.

In this manner, novel deodorant samples were prepared by adding MOCcomposition 9, in a variety of weight concentrations relative to theweight of deodorant spray, and were tested for their ability to coverthe medium's malodor—the deodorant on its own, without the MOCcomposition of the invention, showed no malodor coverage ability(malodor reduction value=0) under the testing conditions indicated.

FIG. 3 shows the results of these tests—it is clear from this figurethat the MOC composition 9 according to the invention is capable ofreducing the sweat malodor when incorporated in the deodorant product,at concentrations varying from 0.05 to 2% weight, relative to the weightof deodorant. The malodor reduction values of the deodorants accordingto the invention reached values close to 4, at concentrations of MOCcomposition close to 1% w/w, relative to the weight of deodorant sample.

Examples 18-19 Malodor Counteracting (MOC) Effect of Compositions andtheir Use to Reduce Perception of Human Sweat Malodor In Vitro

Antiperspirant (AP) spray samples containing MOC composition 1 describedin Example 1, as well as perfume A, were prepared using a variety of MOCcomposition concentrations, and 0.2% weight of the fragrance, relativeto the deodorant weight, added to a conventional AP spray base preparedas described here below. The AP base on its own, and containing theperfuming compositions according to the invention, were then tested asdescribed hereafter for their ability to reduce the malodor perceived.

The human sweat samples were incubated for 18-24 h with a mixture ofbacterial strains commonly known to generate axillar malodor, andcomposed of S. haemolyticus and a mixture of Corynebacterium xerosisATCC 373 and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum strains. Sweat malodorsamples were thus obtained and subsequently treated with theantiperspirant samples containing the MOC compositions of the invention,and evaluated on a blind test by a panel of individuals. The protocolused is described in detail by M. Troccaz et al. in Chemistry andBiodiversity, 2004, 1, 1022-1034.

Malodor intensity values were attributed via a sensory panel evaluation,on blind tests. The panel used a sensory intensity scale from 1 (nomalodor) to 5 (very strong malodor) to assess the deodorant performanceafter 18 to 24 hours of incubation.

A reference control sample, containing only the mixture of sweat andbacteria cells, was evaluated at the same time, providing a rating forthe maximum malodor intensity (5 or close to 5).

A typical antiperspirant spray base was used, comprising the ingredientslisted here below on Table 5, in the proportions indicated, the mixtureof which was formulated as an aerosol spray by using 25% weight of theAP base suspension and 75% weight of propellants, typically a mixturepropane/butane at a pressure of 2.5 bar.

TABLE 5 AP Spray Base Suspension Ingredient Weight (%) Dow Corning 345Fluid¹⁾ 51.8 Isopropyl Myristate 8.75 Silica 1 Quaternium-18 Hectorite²⁾3.25 Aluminium Chlorohydrate 32 Perfume 3.2 ¹⁾Cyclopentasiloxane (and)Cyclohexasiloxane; origin: Dow Corning. ²⁾Suspending agent; origin:RHEOX

The results of the evaluation tests are shown in FIG. 4, wherein the MOCcomposition 1 according to the invention is designated simply as MOC 1.It is quite clear from this graph that the deodorant products comprisingthe MOC and perfuming compositions of the invention can reduce themalodor perception by above 2 units on the scale of 1 to 5 and that theMOC composition 1 of the invention effectively increases the deodorantbase's activity, and that of the combination of deodorant base plusPerfume A, masking ability by at least one such unit, when used atappropriate concentrations in the deodorant product.

According to another embodiment, antiperspirant (AP) samples, containingMOC composition 9 described in Example 9, were prepared by using thesuspension base described above (without propellant) and a variety ofMOC composition concentrations, relative to the deodorant suspensionweight. The results of the testing are shown in FIG. 7, which clearlyshows that MOC composition 9 significantly reduces the malodor intensityperceived by the panel, even when present at low concentrations in theAP spray suspension base. The latter appears to have no significantmalodor reduction capability on its own, whereas when comprising the MOCcomposition 9 (simply designated as MOC 9 in the graph) it shows amalodor reduction value of up to 2, at MOC 9 weight concentrations of 1%w/w, relative to the weight of the AP base.

Examples 20-21 Malodor Counteracting (MOC) Effect of Compositions andtheir Use to Reduce Perception of Sweat Malodor In Vitro

MOC composition 1 of the invention was evaluated, according to ProtocolB. described in Example 17, for its ability to reduce malodor perceivedfrom the medium, when present in the latter in a variety ofconcentrations. FIG. 5 shows the results of the panel evaluations. It isclear from this graph that composition 1 is capable of reducing themalodor perceived by the panel, relative to a maximum malodor reference,by a value (malodor reduction value) of about 1.5 to as much as almost4, depending on its volume concentration in the medium.

Similar tests were carried out, using the same Protocol B. described inExample 17, with MOC composition 9 and the results are shown in FIG. 6,again showing great efficacy of the latter to reduce the malodorperceived by the panel, particularly at concentrations of 0.004% v/v andabove, relative to the volume of the medium.

Example 22 Malodor Counteracting (MOC) Effect of Composition 1 to ReducePerception of Sweat Malodor In Vivo, in the Form of a Spray DeodorantAccording to the Invention

A standard deodorant test to measure the efficacy of a deodorant spraycontaining 0.4% by weight of MOC Composition 1 described in Example 1was carried out. The deodorant spray composition is described herebelow. The objective was to demonstrate 5 hour and 24 hour efficacy ofthe MOC composition.

Alcoholic deodorant spray composition (30% solution/70% Propane-Butane2.5 bar) for in vivo assay, ingredients and respective concentrations:

Ethanol 95° 86.67%  Glyceryl ricinoleate   1% Caprylic/caprictriglyceride  11% MOC Composition 1 1.33%

A team of three trained panelists between the ages of 20 and 40 yearswas selected for olfactory evaluation, each of them being able to detectthe reduction of body odour, following the application of a deodorantproduct, on a 0 (no odor) to 5 (very strong odor) linear scale.

A panel of 31 male subjects aged within the range of from 20 to 50 yearswere denied the use of any type of deodorant or antiperspirant duringtwo weeks before the start of the test, and were assigned anon-deodorant, unperfumed, soap bar for exclusive use of bathing.

On the first day of the test, the body odor of each of the panelists'axillae was assessed by the trained assessors and assigned a scorecorresponding to the strength of the odor on the scale of 0 to 5. Thenthe axillae were washed by a technician according to a standardizedmethod, using an unperfumed soap bar, wiped with a water rinsed flannel,and dried with a clean towel.

The deodorants were applied by the technician in a standard applicationaccording to an experimental design, whereby each product was applied tothe same number of left and right axillae. The panelists then left thetest centre.

On the same day there was an additional assessment 5 hours afterapplication to test for 5 hour efficacy. There was no furtherapplication of product at this stage.

On the second day panelists attended at the same time, i.e. 24 hourslater. The intensity of their body odor was evaluated by all threeassessors, they sniffed each axilla and scored for body odor as before.Then the axillae were washed and a second application of product wasmade.

The assessment and application were repeated on the third and fourthdays, and on the fifth day a final assessment was performed.

The body odor scores were averaged and are shown in the Table hereafter.

TABLE Mean malodor scores after application as described above Timeafter application Score Just after 1.99 5 Hours 0.97 Day 1 1.33 Day 21.33 Day 3 1.08 Day 4 0.80

After 5 and 24 hours following application of the product according tothe invention, there were reductions in mean malodor, significant at the99.99% confidence level. This showed conclusively that MOC composition 1gave 24 hour protection against body odor. After continued applicationfor the rest of the week, mean malodor scores continued to fall,suggesting a build-up in efficacy. After 4 days application thereduction in malodor was in the region of about 60% relative to thevalue immediately after application.

The reduction in malodour is about 50% 5 hours after application.

The results above show that the composition according to the inventionsignificantly reduces sweat malodour for more than 24 hours afterapplication, when applied in vivo in the form of a spray deodorantproduct.

1.-19. (canceled)
 20. A method to counteract sweat malodour, whichcomprises: applying to a sweat-generating skin surface a malodorcounteracting (MOC) composition either alone or in a perfumingcomposition or body deodorant, the composition comprising at least threedifferent MOC ingredients each having a malodor inhibition coefficientof at least 25%, present in a total amount of at least 30% by weight,relative to the weight of the MOC composition, and at a concentration ofat least 0.005% weight per volume in an appropriate medium that issufficient to reduce, mask, eliminate or prevent sweat malodorperception that is generated by Staphylococcus haemolyticus enzymaticactivity from an individual exposed to the sweat or to the surface. 21.The method according to claim 20, wherein the MOC ingredients areselected from the group consisting of(−)-(2E)-2-ethyl-4-[(1R)-2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl]-2-buten-1-ol;3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal; 4-cyclohexyl-2-methyl-2-butanol;3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal;(+)-(1S,2S,3S)-2,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-spiro-2′-cyclohexen-4′-one;cashmeran (1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4-indenone);9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and mixturesthereof; nerolidol; 1,4-dioxacyclohexadecane-5,16-dione;8,12-epoxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane;(−)-(1′R,E)-3,3-dimethyl-5-(2′,2′,3′-trimethyl-3′-cyclopenten-1′-yl)-4-penten-2-ol;(E)-2-dodecenal; 3-decanal, 2-methyldecanal and mixtures thereof;8-isopropyl-6-methyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-carbaldehyde;3-(3-isopropyl-1-phenyl)butanal; (E)-2-decenal;3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde,4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde and mixturesthereof; 9-undecenal; vetyver essential oil; vetyverone;4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-decahydrocyclododeca-1,3-oxazole; 2-tridecenal;9-undecenal, 10-undecenal and mixtures thereof; nonanal;(+)-(4R)-1-p-menthene-9-carbaldehyde; (E)-4-decenal;3,7-dimethyloctanal; eucalyptus essential oil;3-(3,3-dimethyl-5-indanyl)propanal, 3-(1,1-dimethyl-5-indanyl)propanaland mixtures thereof; (Z)-4-dodecenal; and3-(6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)propane.
 22. A malodorcounteracting (MOC) body-care composition able to reduce sweat malodorwhen applied to a sweat-generating skin surface, comprising at leastthree different MOC ingredients each having a malodor inhibitioncoefficient of at least 25%, present in a total amount of at least 30%by weight, relative to the weight of the MOC composition, and at a MOCingredient concentration of at least 0.005% weight per volume in anappropriate medium, which composition is effective to reduce or suppressmalodor generated by Staphylococcus haemolyticus enzymatic activity. 23.The MOC composition according to claim 22, wherein each ingredient ischaracterized by a malodor inhibition coefficient of at least 30% or50%, at a concentration in the medium of at least 0.0125% weight pervolume.
 24. The MOC composition according to claim 22, comprising atleast 50% by weight of the MOC ingredients, relative to the weight ofthe composition.
 25. The MOC composition according to claim 22, having amalodor inhibition coefficient of about 40% or more, at a MOCcomposition concentration of at least 0.0006 v/v in an appropriatemedium, against malodor generated by Staphylococcus haemolyticusenzymatic activity in the medium.
 26. The MOC composition according toclaim 25, having a malodor inhibition coefficient of at least 60%, at aMOC composition concentration of at least 0.0125% v/v in the medium. 27.The MOC composition according to claim 26, having a malodor reductionvalue of at least 3 or
 4. 28. The MOC composition according to claim 22,wherein the MOC ingredients are selected from the group consisting of(−)-(2E)-2-ethyl-4-[(1R)-2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl]-2-buten-1-ol;3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)propanal; 4-cyclohexyl-2-methyl-2-butanol;3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal;(+)-(1S,2S,3S)-2,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-spiro-2′-cyclohexen-4′-one;cashmeran (1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4-indenone);9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and mixturesthereof; nerolidol; 1,4-dioxacyclohexadecane-5,16-dione;8,12-epoxy-13,14,15,16-tetranorlabdane;(−)-(1′R,E)-3,3-dimethyl-5-(2′,2′,3′-trimethyl-3′-cyclopenten-1′-yl)-4-penten-2-ol;(E)-2-dodecenal; 3-decanal, 2-methyldecanal and mixtures thereof;8-isopropyl-6-methyl-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-carbaldehyde;3-(3-isopropyl-1-phenyl)butanal; (E)-2-decenal;3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde,4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carbaldehyde and mixturesthereof; 9-undecenal; vetyver essential oil; vetyverone;4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13-decahydrocyclododeca-1,3-oxazole; 2-tridecenal;9-undecenal, 10-undecenal and mixtures thereof; nonanal;(+)-(4R)-1-p-menthene-9-carbaldehyde; (E)-4-decenal;3,7-dimethyloctanal; eucalyptus essential oil;3-(3,3-dimethyl-5-indanyl)propanal, 3-(1,1-dimethyl-5-indanyl)propanaland mixtures thereof; (Z)-4-dodecenal; and3-(6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)propane.
 29. The MOCcomposition according to claim 22, together with a perfumingco-ingredient, a solvent or an adjuvant or carrier of current use inperfumery to form a perfuming composition.
 30. The MOC compositionaccording to claim 29, wherein the MOC composition constitutes from 10to 80% by weight, of the total weight of the perfuming composition. 31.The MOC composition according to claim 29, having a malodor inhibitioncoefficient of at least 60%, at a defined perfuming compositionconcentration in an appropriate medium, against malodor generated byStaphylococcus haemolyticus enzymatic activity in the medium, and amalodor reduction value of at least
 3. 32. A body deodorant orantiperspirant comprising at least 0.5% by weight, relative to its totalweight, of a MOC composition according to claim
 22. 33. The bodydeodorant or antiperspirant of claim 32 wherein the MOC composition ispresent in an amount of 1 to 5% by weight.
 34. The body deodorant orantiperspirant of claim 33 having a malodor inhibition coefficient of atleast 60%, at a concentration of at least 0.5% v/v of the deodorant orantiperspirant in an appropriate medium, against malodor generated byStaphylococcus haemolyticus enzymatic activity in the medium, and amalodor reduction value of at least 3 or
 4. 35. A method to counteractsweat malodour, which comprises: applying to a sweat-generating skinsurface a malodor counteracting (MOC) composition either alone or in aperfuming composition or body deodorant, the composition comprising atleast three different MOC ingredients each having a malodor inhibitioncoefficient of at least 60%, present in a total amount of at least 50%by weight, relative to the weight of the MOC composition, and at aconcentration of at least 0.0125% weight per volume in an appropriatemedium, and applied at an amount that is sufficient to reduce, mask,eliminate or prevent sweat malodor perception that is generated byStaphylococcus haemolyticus enzymatic activity from an individualexposed to the sweat or to the surface.